Shure have just launched a brand new range of closed back studio and DJ headphones that have already been getting quite a bit of interest since news of the pricing was leaked on Head-Fi.org.
Full size headphones is a new departure for Shure, as they are known best for their in-ear sound isolating earphones. Initial user reviews suggest that the Shure SRH840 sound like a ‘Shure SE530 with sparklier treble’, which can only be a good thing.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on review samples of the Shure SRH840 have commented on the huge soundstage considering that this headphone is a closed back design. Read one Head-fi members review of the Shure SRH840.
We’re really excited about this range of headphones and itching to get out hands on initial stock to give them a proper review.
Grado high end headphones sometimes get labelled with the term ‘audiophile’. The word audiophile may send shivers up your spine, but it’s just a word that has been used to describe discerning high end audio enthusiasts who take their music listening very seriously, and Grado headphones do deserve to be taken seriously.
Our first listening tests with a sample from the range of Grado open back headphones has left us wondering why we didn’t take a listen before.
During initial listening tests we’ve been very impressed by the sounds coming out of these distinctively retro looking ‘cans’ (an affectionate name for headphones). We love the energetic and up front sound that appears to be the hallmark of the Grado headphone range.
Below are a few highlights from the Grado headphone line-up.
Grado iGrado – iPod streetstyle headphones
Even the humble bottom of the range iGrado street style headphone really does sound very good indeed. When you compare the iGrado with the rather cheap and muddy sounding standard iPod earbuds you realise that excellent headphones don’t actually need to cost a fortune.
Grado iGrado
While the iGrado styling is distinctly unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste, nobody can deny the performance knocks spots off the competition.
Grado GS1000 – top of the range
If you are looking for sonic perfection then the incredible top of the range Grado GS1000 will actually cost a small fortune. The sound coming out of the GS1000 is, however, quite astonishing. If you are looking for perfection in a headphone then the Grado GS1000 has to be quite near to it.
Grado GS1000
With good Hi-Fi equipment the Grado GS1000 can sound on a par with far more expensive speakers. On a personal note the GS1000 has reminded me why I get so excited about headphones.
Grado SR225 – best headphones available at this price?
Somewhere near the middle of the Grado headphone range is the rather nice sounding Grado SR225. Compared with the budget priced Grado SR60, the SR225 is a much more refined sounding headphone.
The Grado SR225 is a low impedance headphones, so it is quite possible to drive it with a low spec headphone output, as found on portable players like the iPod and laptops.
Grado SR225
Without a dedicated headphone amplifier the SR225 will give a stunning performance, with solid bass extension and high end intensity that will make you sit up and pay attention. On the other hand, with a good quality headphone amplifier the Grado SR225 will open up and you will experience a new level of sonic detail and even tighter bass response.
Have you every looked through a HiFi magazine wondering how on earth anyone can afford to pursue an interest in high fidelity audio equipment?The cost of audiophile quality gear can be astronomic.A quick glance through What Hifi magazine and you will soon find a pair of speakers that cost three grand.Ouch!
How about an alternative to all this expensive HiFi?Imagine owning an audio setup that sounds like it costs thousands of pounds, but actually costs just a few hundred!It’s actually really simple.It’s no secret that the budget route to achieving sonic excellence is via headphones. You really do get dramatically more ‘bang for your buck’ with headphones.
Take for example the Sennheiser HD650’s Audiophile series headphones. These headphones are widely regarded as the ultimate pair of Sennheisers! The Sennheiser HD650’s have an RRP of £329 (approx $650) and you can find them for less than £250 (approx $500). Where would you find a pair of truly audiophile speakers for that kind of money?
Sennheiser HD650 Headphones
Yes, you can spend thousands of pounds on headphones, but for normal HiFi listening a pair of £300 headphones can offer astonishing levels of detail and audio dynamics.Paired with a good quality headphone amplifier you enter a world of high fidelity audio that would normally cause serious financial trauma.
Take a look at our broad range of high quality HiFi headphones from Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Grado and many other top brands at the HiFi Headphones store.
